Home > Food & Beverages > Nutraceuticals > Gelatin Substitute Market
Based on the type agar agar segment was worth USD 0.96 billion in 2022, owing to the increasing demand for plant-based and vegetarian products. Agar agar, derived from seaweed, is a natural, vegan alternative to traditional animal-based gelatin. As consumers increasingly adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the demand for agar agar has surged.Another contributing factor is the rise of clean label and natural ingredients in the food industry. Agar agar aligns with these trends as it is free from animal-derived components and often used without artificial additives, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Based on application food and beverage segment dominated the market and accounted for the highest revenue share of 69.4% in 2022, attributed to consumers which are increasingly scrutinizing product labels for clean and natural ingredients. Gelatin substitutes are often perceived as cleaner and more natural options compared to animal-derived gelatin, as they are typically free from animal by-products and may contain fewer additives and preservatives.
Based on function thickening & gelling segment held around 59.3% of the gelatin substitute market share in 2022, due to the dietary preferences which are shifting towards healthier options. As consumers seek products with fewer artificial additives and preservatives, food manufacturers are turning to natural thickening and gelling agents like pectin, agar-agar, and carrageenan as alternatives to synthetic additives. These natural agents align with the clean label trend, meeting consumer demands for more transparent and minimally processed ingredients.
Based on form the capsule segment captured 48.7% of the total market share market share in 2022, on account of the increasing demand for drug delivery systems that offer precise dosing, ease of administration, and improved patient compliance. Capsules provide an effective solution in this regard, allowing for the encapsulation of various pharmaceutical formulations, including powders, liquids, and even personalized medications. The convenience and accuracy of capsules have made them a preferred choice for both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Asia Pacific gelatin substitute industry crossed USD 0.99 Billion in 2022 . Concerns related to health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability are driving consumers to seek plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-derived gelatin. This trend has boosted the demand for gelatin substitutes made from plant-based sources such as agar-agar and konjac, which are readily available in the region.